UFO Times - No 40 - Mar Apr 1996

Magazine Overview

Title: UFO times
Issue: Number 40
Date: March/April 1996
Publisher: BUFORA (British UFO Research Association)
Country: UK
ISSN: 0958 4846

This issue of UFO times features a guest editorial by Andy Roberts, who has rejoined BUFORA, and covers a range of UFO-related topics, including a significant aviation incident, controversies surrounding alleged alien footage, and various sighting reports.

Editorial

Mike Wootten, the editor, introduces Andy Roberts, who expresses his return to ufology after a three-year absence. Roberts notes that ufology still suffers from internal political problems and a lack of willingness to evolve. He discusses his consultancy work for a four-part TV documentary series on UFOs, praising the professionals involved for their unbiased approach and extensive investigation. He criticizes ufology for poor investigation practices, where cases are sometimes botched or facts altered to fit belief systems, providing ammunition for debunkers. He laments that even after 49 years since Arnold's historic sighting, investigations remain inadequate.

News

Clinton on Roswell: President Clinton stated that, as far as he knew, no alien spacecraft crashed in Roswell in 1947, and if alien bodies were recovered, he was not informed. Laurance Rockefeller has funded a 150-page study of the Roswell Incident to be sent to White House Science adviser John Gibbons and all US congressmen and senators. Michael Luckman, director of the New York Center for UFO Research, claims "The Best Available Evidence" contradicts Air Force denials.

Students Say Yes to Alien Visitation: Stanton Friedman reports on an Oxford University Union Society debate where the resolution 'This House believes that intelligent alien life has visited the planet Earth' was passed with 60% of the vote (207 Yes, 140 No).

UFO Claims by Pilots Over North East China: Pilots of four aircraft reported UFO sightings, including a white oval object travelling at high speed, which turned green and followed a flight path.

Flying Saucer Detected Glowing in Sky over South Korean City: A doughnut-shaped 'flying saucer' glowed for an hour over a provincial city park in Taegu, emitting red light and moving soundlessly. An air force surveillance team also observed the object.

Investigator Training Course Relaunched: The BUFORA investigator correspondence course, originally by Jenny Randles, has been relaunched and will be run by Philip Mantle and Gloria Dixon.

Special Report: CAA say BA Boeing Near Miss is 'Unresolved'

Compiled by Mike Wootten, this report details the Civil Aviation Authority's Joint Air Proximity Section's investigation into a close encounter between a Boeing 737 and a 'wedge shaped' object on January 6th, 1995. The report concludes the incident is 'unresolved' due to a lack of firm evidence to identify the object. However, the report acknowledges the pilots' courage in reporting the sighting and commends British Airways for their support. The CAA report references UFO activity, stating that speculation about extraterrestrial activity is outside their remit. An independent witness claims to have seen a similar object hovering near Manchester Airport two hours before the incident. The report includes the full unabridged Joint Air Proximity Section report, detailing the sighting from the perspective of the B737 pilots and Manchester ATC. The object was described as 'wedge-shaped' with a 'black stripe' and emitting lights like a 'Christmas tree', moving at high speed. Various hypotheses, including hang gliders, paragliders, microlights, and military activity, were explored but could not explain the sighting. The report emphasizes that the object remains untraced and its nature and identity are unknown.

Tri-Craft Won't Go Away

By James Easton, this article investigates numerous reports of triangular-shaped craft. Easton highlights the consistency of descriptions: hovering, slow moving, low altitude, brilliantly lit, and triangular. He argues that the behavior defies rational explanation as covert aviation development. The article cites specific cases from Bakewell (1993), Ossett (1994), and Sutton (1994), where triangular objects exhibited unusual flight characteristics, including hovering close to the ground and rapid movements. Reports from Bonnybridge and encounters by Andy Swan are also mentioned, suggesting these sightings make the 'black project' explanation unlikely. Easton concludes that there is substantive, consistent evidence of tangible objects being observed.

Should Alien DORA really be Alien HILDA?

A Personal Analysis of the Roswell Footage by George Wingfield.

Wingfield analyzes the Santilli alien autopsy footage, which he believes is a scam, likely conceived in 1993 and executed in 1994. He suggests the footage was shot on video, not 16mm cine film, and that the 'autopsy room' props were chosen to match the 1947 scenario. He points to several reasons for doubt:

1. President Truman: Santilli claimed President Truman was visible in the footage, but no such film exists.
2. Debris Site: Reg Presley and Philip Mantle were told the footage showed the debris site, crashed disk, and military personnel, but this was never produced.
3. Processing Claims: Santilli's claims about the Royal Society or Rank in London enhancing the film, or it being processed in the US, are unsubstantiated.
4. Elvis Footage: Santilli was confronted on French TV with evidence that Elvis footage he claimed to have purchased from a mysterious cameraman was actually bought from Bill Randle, and the original cameraman, Jack Barnett, had died in 1957.
5. Knowledge of Roswell: Santilli claims he had never heard of the Roswell incident before purchasing the Elvis footage, despite pre-release information about the Roswell movie.
6. 'Cameraman' Story: The search for the cameraman is described as a wild goose chase, suggesting a fictitious composite character.
7. Film Samples: Santilli has only provided 16mm leaders or small snippets of film from the correct era, avoiding providing a whole section of original film.

Wingfield also discusses the 'Black Project' theory, where an anonymous fax suggested the film was a hoax conceived by Ray Santilli, Gary Shoefield, and others, inspired by the upcoming Roswell movie. Two accomplished London model makers, John Lundberg and Rod Dickinson, are implicated as having created the alien corpse. The fax was passed to the Serious Fraud Office, but no charges were filed.

Other Features

Top UFO Book for 1995 - A Very American View. The Albright Awards: This section lists the winners of the Albright Awards for UFO books, with C.D.B. Bryan's "Close Encounter of the Fourth Kind - Alien Abduction, UFOs, and the Conference at M.I.T." receiving the top honor. Other award categories include 'Best Crop-Circle Book' and 'Underground Bases'. Steuart Campbell's "The UFO Mystery Solved" received the 'Worst Debunking Book' award.

Internet Information: A list of available publications like 'UFO Disk 3' and 'X-Files 2' for £3 each.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The magazine consistently adopts a critical and investigative stance towards UFO phenomena. It emphasizes the importance of rigorous investigation, as seen in the detailed analysis of the Boeing near miss and the debunking of the Santilli footage. There is a clear skepticism towards unsubstantiated claims and a preference for evidence-based reporting. The magazine also highlights the challenges faced by ufologists, including internal politics and the need for a more professional approach. The recurring theme is the persistent mystery of UFOs, with a focus on presenting cases that defy easy explanation while maintaining a critical eye on potential hoaxes and misinterpretations. The editorial stance appears to be one of open-minded inquiry combined with a demand for credible evidence and sound investigative methodology.

Title: UFOtimes
Issue: 17
Date: Spring 1992
Document Type: Magazine Issue

This issue of UFOtimes focuses on debunking and scrutinizing UFO cases, particularly those involving photographic evidence and alleged government cover-ups.

The Santilli Footage and the Crop Circle Hoaxers

The lead article discusses the controversial Santilli alien autopsy footage, suggesting it was a hoax. The authors, Robert Irving and Rod Dickinson, are presented as individuals with a background in crop circle faking. The article details how they, along with John Lundberg, allegedly created elaborate crop circle designs and even launched hoax UFOs to deceive groups like CSETI. The possibility is raised that these individuals, who have also written skeptical articles about the Santilli footage, might be the perpetrators of the hoax themselves, attempting to distance themselves from suspicion.

An exhibition in London in February-March 1994, featuring crop circle formations and faked UFO photographs, is mentioned as further evidence of their activities. The article posits that the motivation for creating the 'Roswell Film Footage' scam was present, along with the mentality and timing, and that the perpetrators were precisely those with the background knowledge.

Ray Santilli commented that George Wingfield was responsible for "pure fiction." John Lundberg, however, strenuously denied any involvement in fabricating the Roswell autopsy footage.

UFO Investigations Diary

Edited by Philip Mantle, this section presents a selection of UFO reports investigated by BUFORA, highlighting the increasing number of investigators and the organization's growing international reputation.

Niagara Falls Sighting (April 26, 1978)

Four friends driving near Niagara Falls observed a slow-moving, noiseless, saucer-shaped object with flashing lights. The object, estimated to be 50 ft in diameter and 100-120 ft above the ground, illuminated the road as it passed overhead.

Newferry, Wirral Sighting (January 2, 1995)

Witness C.R. observed a satellite-like object that brightened and faded multiple times. A second object appeared, and the first then changed course, glowing brightly before fading out of sight. Investigator Anthony Eccles believes it was likely an astronomical body.

Dundee, Scotland Sighting (August 9, 1995)

William M. saw a "cone of white light" emitted from a "very bright silver/metallic object." The light was drawn back into the object, which then changed color from silver/metallic to red, and subsequently to pinkish, before moving northwards.

Kilsyth, Australia Photographs (September 19, 1995)

Mr. Ray K. and his son Ralph took two UFO photographs of an object that hovered, dipped, and moved left. The photographs were examined by image processing expert Nick Burton, who noted possible noise, motion blur, and dark areas on the object, but no definite conclusions were drawn.

The Fehrenbach Case: How Two Pupils Bluffed MUFON

This article by Gerald Mosbleck details how two pupils from Fehrenbach, Germany, allegedly fooled MUFON with photographs of a UFO. The case gained media attention after a TV documentary. Rolf-Dieter Klein, a MUFON computer analyst, and Illobrand von Ludwiger analyzed the photos, finding no evidence of forgery. However, the GEP Lüdenscheid investigated and concluded that the object was a toy model. H.W. Peiniger of GEP managed to find a similar toy model and, using a transparent thread, created comparable photos. Confronted with these results, one of the boys admitted to using his friend's toy model. GEP concludes the case is an example of bad computer analysis by inexperienced researchers.

The Warminster Initiative

Steve Gamble, Director of Research, discusses BUFORA's project to study the Warminster area, which has a history of UFO reports since the mid-1960s. The article acknowledges previous studies and mentions that some reports might be due to military exercises. The famous 'Warminster Thing' photograph from 1965 is discussed, with claims of it being faked by Gordon Faulkner, who denies it. Roger Hooton claimed involvement in faking it, but Faulkner maintained his innocence. Stephen Dewey's research suggests Faulkner faked it with help from Bill Newton. The article emphasizes that despite the controversy surrounding this photograph, many other valid reports from the Warminster area exist.

Exposed! Fortean Times Photo is a Hoax

Alan Staiths reports on a photograph published in Fortean Times that was claimed to be a genuine UFO. The author reveals that the editor, Bob Rickard, admitted the photo was a joke, created using Photoshop with an image of a Lazar 'sports model' UFO. The article critiques how easily UFO mythology can be manipulated and how beliefs can influence interpretation. The editor's note expresses disappointment that Fortean Times would resort to such "pranks."

Cosford: An Enduring Mystery

Nicholas Redfern investigates the 1963 incident at RAF Cosford, where a dome-shaped UFO reportedly landed. The Ministry of Defence file on the case has been declassified. The article highlights the contradictory explanations offered by the Air Ministry, including 'nothing at all,' 'two drunk apprentices,' 'a hoax,' and 'a British Railways steam train.' The controversy surrounding the incident, involving an investigator named Wilfred Daniels and Reverend B.G. Henry, is detailed. The article suggests that the Air Ministry's attempts to dismiss the case and the possibility that the apprentices wanted to leave the service raise further questions.

Newsbite: Police Find Space Rocket

A brief report about police investigating a UFO landing at Kirkheaton, only to discover a film crew shooting a music video with a hired 12 ft rocket and an astronaut costume.

The Proceedings of the 8th BUFORA International UFO Congress

An advertisement for the proceedings of the 8th BUFORA International UFO Congress.

When the Going gets Weird - the Weird get Going: A Review of Breakthrough by Whitley Strieber

Andy Roberts reviews Whitley Strieber's book "Breakthrough," discussing his accounts of "visitor" experiences. Roberts notes that Strieber's claims are difficult to ignore due to his popularity and the fact that many people report similar experiences. The review explores the idea that these experiences might be related to ancient myths and gods, suggesting a shared source of origin for various otherworldly encounters. The article questions the validity of these intensely personal experiences and how they can be extrapolated to claim a universal reality. It also touches on Strieber's views on government awareness of visitors and their attempts to maintain control.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFOtimes adopts a critical and skeptical stance towards UFO phenomena, particularly focusing on debunking alleged hoaxes and questioning the reliability of photographic evidence and investigative methods. The magazine emphasizes the importance of rigorous research and highlights instances where UFO claims have been exposed as fabrications or misinterpretations. The editorial stance appears to favor a rational, evidence-based approach, urging caution against accepting sensational claims without thorough investigation and critical analysis. The magazine also implicitly critiques other UFO publications and organizations for their perceived lack of rigor or susceptibility to deception.

This issue of UFOtimes, dated July 1996 (Issue 21), is primarily focused on the controversial book "Breakthrough" by Whitley Strieber. The magazine presents a critical yet engaged perspective on Strieber's work, alongside other UFO-related news and events.

Review of Whitley Strieber's "Breakthrough"

The issue dedicates significant space to analyzing Whitley Strieber's "Breakthrough," a follow-up to his earlier works "Communion" and "Transformation." The reviewer expresses skepticism regarding the "proof" offered in the book, describing it as "highly dubious" and the accounts as "bizarre, disjointed and fragmentary." The reviewer likens the material to "free associative psychoanalytical material," drawing parallels with alleged ritual satanic abuse survivor accounts.

Despite the criticisms, the reviewer acknowledges the importance of Strieber's work in challenging the established ufological community and government secrecy. The book is seen as part of a "new age" movement that believes the "visitor experience" can enrich lives and contribute to human evolution. Strieber's assertion that the government might be using disinformation about "greys" and abductions to appear in control is highlighted as an interesting speculation.

The reviewer notes that Strieber himself does not claim the film is real, but rather that it is "a real film - it's what's on it that's not!" The book is described as a "challenge" even from a "fortean approach."

The Santilli Roswell Film Sequel

A special report by Geoff Fulstone details a preview of the sequel to the "Santilli Roswell Film," referred to as NSV. Fulstone was taken blindfolded to a secret location to view the video, which he describes as "essentially like a poorly made schools educational film" and a "stop-gap, a pot boiler." Experts, including those who worked on Jurassic Park, discuss the possibility of faking the film, concluding it would be difficult but not impossible. Forensic pathologist Ian West remains unconvinced, and the report mentions Austrian psychics claiming to have contacted the soul of a dead ufonaut. An archaeologist is interviewed about glyphs on an 'I beam' from the 'tent footage,' which are suggested to be Greek symbols possibly representing the word 'freedom' and the name of the spaceship.

Philip Mantle of BUFORA offers non-committal statements, while Clifford Stone claims he was shown an alien autopsy in 1969. The reviewer concludes that the NSV is a "tease for the next one" and a "clever hoax by people who know a little - a little more, this time about the UFO subject." The report notes the absence of a "bearded figure of Jeremy Beadle" to reveal secrets, suggesting the film may yet hold surprises.

Obituary: David Medina

The magazine includes an obituary for David Medina, a long-time friend and fellow ufologist, who died on January 28th. Medina is remembered for his book "Elohim's Nursery" and "God's Weapon." He investigated cases with Bruce Cathie and was involved with BUFORA's Kensington Library meetings.

UFO Diary and Events

This section provides a schedule of upcoming UFO-related events, including:

• BUFORA National UFO Lectures in London, Newcastle, and Liverpool.
• Journeys and Encounters Conference in Newcastle.
• The Supernormal Research Conference '96 Roswell Update in Cardiff.

Contact details for organizers are provided for each event.

UFO Newsfile

A promotion for "UFO Newsfile," described as "The Premier British UFO Newsclipping Magazine," published bi-monthly by BUFORA. Subscription details are provided.

UFOCALL

A promotional advertisement for a telephone hotline, "UFOCALL," offering information on ufology.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

This issue of UFOtimes demonstrates a critical yet open-minded approach to ufology. While skepticism is applied to sensational claims and questionable evidence, as seen in the review of Strieber's "Breakthrough" and the Santilli film report, there is also an acknowledgment of the importance of the experiences themselves and the need for researchers to challenge their own objectivity. The magazine seems to advocate for a more inclusive approach to understanding UFO phenomena, even if it means confronting uncomfortable truths or challenging established logical frameworks. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging open inquiry and discussion within the UFO community, while maintaining a degree of critical analysis. The recurring themes include the nature of evidence in ufology, the role of government secrecy, the interpretation of abduction experiences, and the evolving landscape of UFO research, particularly concerning the "new age" and "fortean" perspectives.